How to Comparing Best Insurance Rates

Whether you just bought a new car or you’re simply doing an annual review of your finances, comparing car insurance rates can be a good way to assess whether you’re getting the most for your money.

To start, the Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests getting at least three quotes from auto insurance providers. Each quote you get should be for the same set of coverages, limits and deductibles, so you can truly compare them side by side.

Not sure where to begin? Here’s some more information on setting up an auto insurance comparison.

1. Select appropriate liability limits.

Auto liability coverage is required in most states. Liability coverage may help pay for car repair and medical bills of another driver if you cause an accident.

Most states set minimum liability coverage limits that drivers must purchase. You may have the option of increasing your auto liability limits — and the III suggests that’s a good idea. If you cause an accident and the damage exceeds your state’s minimum liability coverage limits, you could end up paying out of pocket for additional expenses.

Whether you select the state minimums or increase your coverage, make sure the limits you set for bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage are the same for every quote you compare. Bodily injury liability coverage helps cover expenses of another person’s physical injury if you are found liable in an accident. Property damage liability coverage helps pay for damages you may cause to another person’s property.

2. Set similar deductibles.

Some car insurance coverages, such as collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, typically come with a deductible that you may be able to adjust. A deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. Increasing your deductible may lower your car insurance premiums, says the III. However, a higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in after a covered loss.

When you are comparing car insurance rates, the deductibles you choose should be the same for each quote so you can make an accurate comparison.

3. Choose the same coverages.

While liability coverage is required in most states, other coverage requirements vary from state to state. Some coverages may even be optional. You may want to familiarize yourself with your state’s specific car insurance requirements. To accurately compare car insurances rates, make sure you’ve selected the same set of required and optional coverages for each quote you get.